Aigües de Mataró has launched an industrial doctorate project with the aim of improving sustainable water management in the Maresme region. This applied research responds to one of the four strategic objectives of the company's sustainability strategy, and aligned with Mataró's Urban Agenda 2023. The aim is to study different water resilience projects, which will increase the capacity of the aquifer.
The project is key to ensuring that Mataró has sufficient and quality water in the future, especially in the face of the effects of climate change and the growth of the city. Currently, 20% of Mataró's water comes from local wells and mines, while 80% comes from the network managed by Aigües Ter Llobregat (ATL), but we need to know these resources better to ensure that there are no supply problems. With the collaboration of several academic and scientific entities, the project seeks to improve the management of aquifers, making them more efficient and sustainable. This includes geological studies, updating aquifer models, and researching new techniques to increase water recharge.
In collaboration with the Underground Hydrology Group (GHS) of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), and the Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), the project focuses on the study of the hydrogeological model and artificial recharge of the Maresme aquifer. To achieve this objective, the project is based on three main axes. Firstly, a structural geological study will be carried out to identify the aquifer recharge zones, using non-invasive geophysical exploration and characterisation methods, as well as sampling campaigns in dry and wet periods to better understand the dynamics of the system and hydrochemical processes. Secondly, the model of the aquifer of the Argentona stream will be updated, expanding the modelled area to the Sant Simó stream and creating a more robust and resilient model. Finally, ways will be sought to increase the available water, such as artificial recharge with treated wastewater and flood water, and prospecting for new water sources.
Founded in 1900 as "Fradera y Compañia", Aigües de Mataró has evolved significantly over the years. In 1922 "Aguas de Argentona a Mataró Sociedad Anónima" was established, which later merged with the Municipal Water Service of Mataró in 1946 to form a joint venture. In 1967, Mataró City Council acquired 100% of the shares and in 1986 the company adopted its current name, Aigües de Mataró, S.A. Today, Aigües de Mataró is a Municipal Private Company that manages a wide range of services related to water, the environment and other infrastructures.
In 2023, the company distributed water in the city from 79.1% of the Ter water system and 20.9% from its own sources, from 34 wells and 5 mines. The network includes 15 tanks with a total capacity of 51,452 m³ and 350.8 km of pipes, as well as a network of 25.178 km for non-potable uses. The Aigües de Mataró laboratory analyzes 33.14 water samples daily, with 16,411 samples analyzed in 2023.
This project, developed thanks to the Industrial Doctorates program of the Generalitat de Catalunya, will allow Aigües de Mataró to deepen its knowledge of local water resources, improving both the quantity and quality of the available water. This will ensure a more stable and sustainable water supply for the city of Mataró in the future.
